Signs of maturity

Published: Saturday June 16, 2007

For far too long, many critics of the government in Armenia have resorted to empty gestures instead of constructive engagement with the specific policies and actions of the government. Some opposition politicians, having been elected to parliament in 2003, promptly announced a boycott, and refused to show up for work. No one and nothing is legitimate, they declared, so let's not lend decisions credibility by participating in them, they said in effect. Voters did not reelect any of the boycotters.

Two opposition parties elected on May 12 started off on the same wrong foot. They refused to pick up their mandates and attend the opening session of the National Assembly last week. It was a disappointing performance: the Country of Laws and Heritage Parties had filed nomination papers with the Central Electoral Commission; they had campaigned hard to gain people's trust and votes; many tens of thousands of citizens had put their trust and their hopes in one or the other of these two parties; and then, on the eve of the opening session of parliament, the newly elected representatives had refused to go back to the Central Electoral Commission to pick up their mandates, and to show up for work the next day.

Fortunately, both groups have since had the wisdom to assume their parliamentary responsibilities. There is now reason to hope that they will help raise political discourse in Armenia to a constructive new level. That was the faith with which many voters chose these parties, and that is certainly our hope. The National Assembly must become a place where ministers and functionaries can expect tough but fair questions and citizens can expect official accountability.

By taking their oversight responsibilities seriously, members of parliament will surely gain the trust of more people. This applies equally to members of the governing parties. As people see the institutions of state operate transparently and fairly, and important functionaries held accountable for their actions, their faith in the state and its leaders will grow.